Nigerian President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, delivered a compelling speech in Nairobi, Kenya, where he highlighted the grave consequences of military coups on peace, security, and stability in Africa. Speaking at a high-level event organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the margins of the Fifth Mid-Year African Union (AU) Coordination Meeting, President Tinubu called upon African leaders to prioritize democracy, respect the rule of law, and ensure political stability in the continent.

President Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, expressed his concerns regarding the use of unconstitutional means to change governments in West Africa, despite the region’s existing mechanisms and instruments for promoting democracy and good governance. He stressed that the trend of military interventions in politics poses significant threats to peace, security, and stability, resulting in poverty, displacement, and humanitarian crises.

The President urged African military institutions and states to recognize and respect the need for democratic renewal…CONTINUE READING

He highlighted that Africa cannot achieve the goals of the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development and AU Agenda 2063 without addressing the root causes of unconstitutional changes and coups d’état.

President Tinubu called upon all African leaders to make concerted efforts in upholding the tenets of democracy and the rule of law to ensure political stability across the continent.

Reiterating Africa’s commitment to democratic gains, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of Afro-centric supranational organizations, including the African Union, regional economic communities, and mechanisms, adopting and effectively implementing protocols on democracy and good governance.

While acknowledging the challenges associated with managing and maintaining democracy, President Tinubu reiterated that democracy remains the best form of government for 21st-century Africa.

He emphasized that democratic regimes ensure good governance, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, in contrast to military rule.

To disincentivize coups d’état, the ECOWAS Chairperson called on the United Nations to take a firm stance against military coups. He stressed the interconnectedness of democracy and development in achieving sustainable goals and the African vision.

President Tinubu expressed his readiness, as the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, to collaborate with the UNDP and other development partners to promote democracy on the African continent.

President Tinubu thanked the UNDP for inviting him to deliver a goodwill message at the event and assured the organization of his commitment to addressing the issue of military coups and promoting democratic renewal in Africa.

He applauded the launch of the UNDP flagship report titled “Soldiers and Citizens: Military Coups and the Need for Democratic Renewal in Africa,” which emphasizes that the military has no place in the governance of 21st-century Africa.

Jide Okeke, UNDP Regional Programme Coordinator (Africa), expressed delight at President Tinubu’s participation in the high-level event, considering his inspiring denouncement of military coups during his recent inauguration as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Okeke highlighted that President Tinubu’s presence sends a positive signal to the international community about Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values and stability.

The UNDP flagship report aligns with Nigeria’s vision of stability for West Africa and the continent as a whole, combining empirical data, literature, and personal stories to shed light on the experiences of citizens affected by coups.

Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Hanna Tetteh, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, and Amb.

Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, African Union Commission, also delivered remarks at the event.